By Ziyah News Network.
THE Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has suspended five match officials after finding that their officiating decisions materially affected the outcomes of matches in the Premier Soccer League and regional leagues.
In a statement issued by the ZIFA Media and Communications Department, the football governing body said the suspensions followed the consideration of reports submitted by match commissioners.
Among those sanctioned is assistant referee Phikisani Ndlovu, who has been suspended for six Premier Soccer League matches, from Matchday 21 to Matchday 26. The suspension stems from his role in the FC Platinum versus Hunters FC match played at Mandava Stadium on 27 June 2026.
Referee Chamunorwa Tapiwa was suspended for six Northern Region Soccer League matches, covering Matchdays 17 to 22, following the Marere FC and Zambezi G & C FC fixture played at Centenary Ground on 21 June 2026.
Assistant referee Christian Gumbeze received a similar six-match suspension in the Northern Region Soccer League after being implicated in the same fixture.
In the Southern Region Soccer League, referee Graduate Mubobo was suspended for six matches from Matchday 16 to Matchday 21 following a match officiated at Chinotimba Stadium on 24 June 2026.
Assistant referee Praise Mkwevo was also handed a six-match suspension arising from the same Southern Region fixture at Chinotimba Stadium.
ZIFA said the sanctions were imposed after the officials were found to have made incorrect officiating decisions that were considered to have materially influenced the results of the respective matches. The conduct was deemed to be in breach of Article 22 of the ZIFA Referees Code of Conduct.
A reliable source within ZIFA who spoke to Ziyah News Network said several factors can contribute to poor officiating decisions during matches. The source noted that the absence of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in local competitions makes it difficult for officials to review contentious incidents.
“Due to the lack of VAR in the matches, some referees may make mistakes that may affect the outcome of matches. Lack of concentration and other genuine mistakes can also contribute. In some cases, though not all, the acceptance of bribes may be a factor,” said the source.
The official, however, stressed that each case is assessed on its own merits before disciplinary action is taken and cautioned against assuming wrongdoing whenever referees are sanctioned.
ZIFA reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of officiating, integrity and accountability across all competitions under its jurisdiction.
The suspensions are expected to serve as a learning opportunity for other match officials across the country, particularly in the Central Region Soccer League, where this publication has attended several matches and observed decisions that have at times raised concerns among clubs and supporters.